Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte | July 12, 2025 — A violent conflict between two armed groups erupted in the villages of Bagoinged and Tinunggos in Datu Odin Sinsuat, displacing more than 400 families and triggering a humanitarian response from local officials and security forces.
Tension flared on the morning of July 10, prompting many residents to flee their homes in fear of being caught in the crossfire. According to initial reports, the fighting stemmed from a long-standing rido, or clan feud, which escalated into open confrontation.
Datu Odin Sinsuat Mayor Abdulmain “Baba” Abas immediately proceeded to the affected areas, accompanied by personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Army, and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO). Armored vehicles from the Philippine Army’s Armor Division were also mobilized to contain the situation and protect civilians.
“The safety of our people remains our utmost priority,” said Mayor Abas. “We are coordinating with the police and military to de-escalate the violence and prevent further harm to innocent lives.”
Municipal Councilor Bai Sophia Abas also visited the displaced families, most of whom had sought refuge in remote, mountainous areas near the boundary of Datu Odin Sinsuat and Talayan. She distributed food packs and relief goods together with the MDRRMO and assured residents that the local government was closely monitoring their needs.
At the same time, Councilor Abas acknowledged the compounded hardships faced by residents in other parts of the municipality, particularly those in Barangay Badak and Barangay Tapian along the coastal area, who were dealing with flooding. She assured that aid would also reach these communities shortly and that urgent requests had already been relayed to BARMM READY, the disaster response unit of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The conflict, which has turned parts of Datu Odin Sinsuat into a hot zone for several days, highlights the severe impact of armed violence on ordinary citizens. Aside from displacement, the situation has disrupted livelihoods, education, and access to basic services.
As local authorities work to restore peace and deliver aid, affected families continue to grapple with the uncertainty of when they can safely return to their homes.
Officials have called on both armed parties to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue over violence to prevent further suffering among civilians caught in the crossfire.